India experiences
a range of climatic variations across its vast expanse.

Monsoon - July to September when monsoon rains
sweep across the country with daily torrential downpours and
a high possibility of flooding making travel difficult in
all areas except the northwest. Duration of monsoons may vary
in different regions by several weeks.

Cool - The months from October to February are
some of the best times to visit as the weather is very pleasant
with minimal rainfall in most places.

Hot
- March to June witnesses temperatures that can soar above
average making the hot season unbearable and the hazy, dust-laden
air can hamper views. Many people head to "hill stations"
which provide a welcome relief from the extreme heat of the
lowlands.

Cyclones - June to September can suffer from these
fierce tropical storms, which mainly affect the east coast
of India, cause high winds, intense rain and a possibility
of tidal waves.

Carry
a lightweight jumper as it can be chillingly cold inside air-conditioned
buildings during hot weather.

The northeast
experiences high rainfall/humidity during both the Monsoon
Season and the tail end of the Hot Season. Views
of the lush hillside, famous for its tea plantations, can
be hampered during these wet periods. Waterproofs are an absolute
necessity and a few warm layers are useful too.

Best
time to visit: Although it can be cold (especially during
the evenings), days tend to be clear, fresh and dry in the
Cool Season.

This region
of India is predominantly dry and arid, with the Thar
Desert occupying the far western expanse. The monsoon bears
little or no effect on the weather and rainfall is minimal
throughout the year.

The heat
can be extreme and if visiting this area during the hotter
months, lightweight clothes are best.

Best
time to visit: The Cool Season, although it can
get cold at night and warm clothes are necessary.

Many cities
in Rajasthan are built around sacred lakes and these are at
their best during the slightly wetter Monsoon Season.

The temperature
rises to oppressive levels during the Hot Season -
daytime temperatures can reach the 40's(oC) and night-time
temperatures can remain in the high 20's(oC). Pollution levels
can also be alarmingly high during this time.

The Monsoon
Season can begin as early as late June but generally the
effects are not felt until mid-July. Rain tends to be intermittent
but torrential. An umbrella is essential if travelling at
this time as waterproofs would be too hot.

Best
time to visit: During the Cool Season as days are
warm, dry and pleasant, however nights can be surprisingly
cold and temperatures can drop below 10oC- take a few extra
layers to pile on after the sun goes down.

The end
of the Hot Season is quite wet and both temperatures
and humidity are high.

The Monsoon
Season suffers a large amount of rain and flooding is
common. Humidity levels also remain high and the heat can
get quite uncomfortable. An umbrella is essential as the weather
is too hot for waterproof clothing, although sturdy shoes
are a must.

Best
time to visit: During the Cool Season when temperatures
are quite pleasant and rainfall is low.

During the
Hot Season in western India, temperatures can rise
above the average, although it does not tend to get as hot
as in central India. Humidity is high and lightweight clothes
are necessary.

Sturdy shoes
and an umbrella are vital during the Monsoon Season
as very heavy rain falls and flooding is commonplace. The
hot, humid climate makes this rather an unpleasant time to
be travelling in the west and the wearing of waterproofs extremely
uncomfortable.

Best
time to visit: Showers dry up during the Cool Season,
making these months a far more agreeable time to visit.

The climate
in southern India experiences only slight seasonal variations.
Temperatures and humidity remain relatively high all year
round. Rainfall is common at any time of the year and the
Monsoon Season has only marginally more precipitation
than at any other time.

Lightweight clothes and an umbrella are required throughout
the year. A few extra layers of clothing may also be useful
during the cooler months, as temperatures may drop slightly
in the evening.

Best
time to visit: The Cool Season and the beginning
of the Hot Season are the best times to visit when
rainfall is marginally lower.